Introductions to Epilepsy – The Voice For Epilepsy https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:20:10 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cropped-tvfe-purple-1-32x32.png Introductions to Epilepsy – The Voice For Epilepsy https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk 32 32 What is Epilepsy? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/what-is-epilepsy/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:04:16 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2036
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What is Epilepsy?

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain

A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal
electrical activity in the brain.

A person has epilepsy if they:

  • Have had at least two unprovoked seizures, or
  • Have had one seizure and are very likely to have another, or
  • Are diagnosed with an epilepsy syndrome
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> What is a seizure? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/what-is-a-seizure/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:04:34 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2037
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What is a seizure?

Young person lying on floor during epileptic seizure demonstrating what happens when a seizure occurs
0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

What is a seizure?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
Young person lying on floor during epileptic seizure demonstrating what happens when a seizure occurs

A seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain that causes a temporary disturbance in the way brain cells communicate with each other.

The kind of seizure a person has depends on which part and how much of the brain is affected by the electrical disturbance that produces the seizure.

A seizure may take many different forms, including a blank stare, uncontrolled movements, altered awareness, odd sensations, or convulsions.

Seizures are typically brief and can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.  

Seizures are divided into two main categories:

Focal Seizure (Partial Seizures)

  • This begins in one location within your brain — in either the right or left hemisphere.

  • As the seizure intensifies, the surge of electrical activity can move from one location to another and eventually even cross from one brain hemisphere to another.

Generalised Seizure

  • This occurs when there is a disturbance in the electrical activity on both sides of the brain, potentially resulting in a loss of bodily control and, usually, consciousness.
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/whats-difference-between-a-seizure-and-epilepsy/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:04:48 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2038
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What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain

A seizure is the brief disruption in normal brain activity that interferes with brain function.

Anyone can potentially have a seizure and it doesn’t automatically mean that they have epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder associated with an increased susceptibility to seizures.

It’s not always epileptic seizures. Seizures can also happen because of other medical problems.

These problems include:

  • A high fever
  • Low blood sugar
  • Alcohol or drug withdrawal
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> Why does it matter? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/why-does-it-matter/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:04:57 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2039
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Why does it matter?

Purple day. Epilepsy awareness day Awareness Purple ribbon
0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

Why does it matter?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
Purple day. Epilepsy awareness day Awareness Purple ribbon
  • Epilepsy is the most common, serious neurological disorder worldwide.
  • Epilepsy can affect anyone, of any age, race, or sex, at any time from any walk of life.
  • There are over 40 types of Epilepsy
  • Around the world an estimated 65 million people have epilepsy at any given time.
  • There are 600,000 people suffering from epilepsy in the UK.
  • In the West Midlands, around 53,000 suffer from epilepsy.
  • 1 in 10 will have a seizure in their lifetime.
  • Approximately 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> Is epilepsy contagious? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/is-epilepsy-contagious/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:05:09 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2040
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Is epilepsy contagious?

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

Is epilepsy contagious?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
Epilepsy is NOT contagious – you can’t catch it, and you can’t give it to someone else. In more than half of cases, no clear known cause can be found.
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> Risk factors https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/risk-factors/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:05:17 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2041
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Risk factors

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

Risk factors

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
Certain factors may increase your risk of epilepsy:
  • Age: The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the condition can occur at any age.
  • Family history: If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of seizures.
  • Head injuries: Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. You can reduce your risk by wearing a seat belt while riding in a car. Also wear a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or doing any activities with a high risk of head injury.
  • Stroke and other vascular diseases: Stroke and other blood vessel diseases can cause brain damage. Brain damage may trigger seizures and epilepsy. You can take steps to reduce your risk of these diseases. Limit alcohol, don't smoke, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
  • Dementia: Dementia can increase the risk of epilepsy in older adults.
  • Brain infections: Infections such as meningitis, which causes inflammation in the brain or spinal cord, can increase your risk.
  • Seizures in childhood: High fevers in childhood can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fevers generally won't develop epilepsy. The risk of epilepsy increases if a child has a long fever-associated seizure, another nervous system condition or a family history of epilepsy.
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> Do people have seizures forever? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/do-people-have-seizures-forever/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:05:27 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2042
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Do people have seizures forever?

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

Do people have seizures forever?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
Some types of epilepsy are limited to a certain age group or stage of development, but in many cases, epilepsy is a chronic, life-long disease.
There are treatment options to help people achieve seizure-freedom. Medication will be effective for many people. Some people are good candidates for epilepsy surgery.
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/can-someone-swallow-their-tongue-during-a-seizure/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:05:37 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2043
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Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
No, it’s physically impossible to swallow your tongue. It’s actually much more harmful to put something in someone’s mouth to prevent this because it could cause oral injuries. Instead, you should gently roll someone onto their side once their seizure has finished to ensure that their airway is clear.
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> What causes Epilepsy? https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/what-causes-epilepsy/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:05:44 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2044
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What causes Epilepsy?

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

What causes Epilepsy?

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
Pregnant woman with epilepsy experiencing discomfort while partner provides comfort and support at home
For some people, there is no obvious cause. Their epilepsy is not caused by a specific medical condition. It might be that there is a genetic factor. This type of epilepsy is known as primary, or idiopathic, epilepsy.
For others, epilepsy can be the symptom of a medical condition. Various conditions can cause epilepsy:
In newborns and infants:
  • Birth trauma
  • Congenital (present at birth) problems
  • Fever/infection
  • Metabolic or chemical imbalances in the body
In children, adolescents, and young adults:
  • Alcohol or drugs
  • Trauma to the head or brain injury
  • Infection like meningitis
  • Congenital conditions
  • Genetic factors
  • Unknown reasons
Other possible causes of seizures may include:
  • Brain tumour
  • Neurological problems
  • Drug withdrawal
  • Medications
  • Use of illicit drugs
  • Subarachnoid haemorrhages
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
]]> Symptoms of seizures include https://thevoiceforepilepsy.co.uk/introduction/symptoms-of-seizures-include/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:05:53 +0000 https://abc14271.sg-host.com/?post_type=introduction&p=2045
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Symptoms of seizures include

0 %
feel a lack of information and resources are barriers to accessing support or treatment they need
Horizontal bar chart infographic illustrating epilepsy percentage statistics
0 %

of people with epilepsy experience stigma, ranging from subtle biases to significant misunderstanding.

Circular chart infographic displaying epilepsy statistics
0  in 3
Nearly 2 in 3 people emphasise the urgent need for more community support and understanding to improve their quality of life
Infographic showing three human figures representing people affected by epilepsy

Symptoms of seizures include

What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
  • Change of consciousness (awareness) during the seizure, or between seizures
  • Becoming unresponsive
  • Staring into space
  • Becoming vague, disorientated or confused
  • Numbness or tingling sensations
  • Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there)
  • Problems with thinking
Motor (movement) symptoms can include:
  • stiffening movements (known as the 'tonic' phase) — this may cause a person to fall
  • jerking movements (known as the 'clonic' phase)
  • switching between stiffening and jerking (known as 'tonic-clonic')
  • floppiness and loss of muscle tone (known as 'atonic') — this may also cause a person to fall
  • tremor or shaking or strange postures
  • sudden nod of the head
  • repetitive movements, such as lip smacking or chewing
Other symptoms include:
  • excess saliva coming from mouth
  • increased heart rate
  • eye blinking or eyes rolling upwards
What is Epilepsy?
What is a seizure?
What’s difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
Why does it matter?
Is epilepsy contagious?
Risk factors
Do people have seizures forever?
Can someone swallow their tongue during a seizure?
What causes Epilepsy?
Symptoms of seizures include
When should I see a doctor?
Is There Any Danger of a Person Dying During a Seizure?
The Brain
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